“I have some questions about our medical leave,” I say and step inside, closing the door behind me.
“Are you sick?” He is instantly concerned, which is nice. I’ve always had a great relationship with Captain D’Amato. He has been in charge since I was a probie and he gave me a glowing recommendation when I applied to King’s Rock. He also called me personally to tell me when the lieutenant’s position opened here.
“No, but I need to have an operation,” I say and he motions for me to sit down in one of the two chairs across from his desk. I sit and explain everything, leaving out Terra’s name because it feels like I should leave it up to Logan to disclose that if he wants.
“You’re the most selfless man I have ever met, Maverick,” Captain D’Amato says and leans back in his chair. As he ponders what I just said, he scratches his salt-n-pepper hair at his right temple, staring absently out the window at the dark sky. “You would have to check with the union, because I think medical days are only for unavoidable medical situations, but I will gladly approve you using vacation days for this.”
I lean forward, putting my elbows on my knees and resting my chin on my clasped hands. “Thank you. I don’t know exactly when it will be scheduled but I’m assuming sooner rather than later. If she needs me. There might be other donors.”
“Okay,” he nods. He gives me a smile but it’s tainted with something that looks like sympathy, which seems weird.
“Is something wrong?” I ask, worried he isn’t on board with this.
“No. It’s just… I need you to be made aware of something now. I was holding off until you felt more settled in but…” he pauses and sighs. “Simpson, the Battalion chief for Southern Maine, is retiring early next year. They haven’t announced it yet but, I’ve accepted his position. And the reason I was so keen on getting you back here is because when I get promoted to chief, I want you to be the captain here.”
I am floored. There is no other way to put it. Not by the news because thanks to Cassidy Green, I’d heard the rumor, but by the fact he has me in mind to take his place. This is my ultimate career goal but I thought it was still out of reach. “I’m honored, sir. It would be my dream come true, but I thought I would be considered too green.”
He shakes his head. “You’d be the youngest captain in the history of the Ocean Pines station but you’d also be more qualified than I was at your age. You’ve written the tests. You’ve done every single extra training the State has offered. And you’ve already earned a Medal of Valor for crying out loud.” He grins at me, like he still can’t believe my accomplishments.
I never actually think about them until someone points them out. Then I have a moment of pride like right now. I smile and sit up, my shoulders pushing back a bit. “I love my job.”
“Which is another reason why I want you to succeed me. But if you take a leave for this and then need desk duty when you get back, which you inevitably will for a couple weeks…” He pauses and his smile slips into a look of sympathy again. “I don’t think that will help you with the powers that be. The screening process will be taking place during your recovery time. There’ll be interviews and tests and they’ll send people to watch you work, lead a team. Something you won’t be doing if you’re on desk duty.”
“Oh,” I have more to worry about now than the actual operation.
Captain D’Amato suddenly leans forward and smiles again, waving a hand for a minute in the space between us. “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. You said this friend of yours has other options?”
“Maybe. Yes.”
“Okay well let’s wait to worry about the logistics and impacts until we know for sure,” Captain says and I stand up.
“Sounds good. Thanks for your time.”
“Always Jake. And I can’t tell you how proud I am of you,” he replies as I reach the door and pull it open. “I’ve been working this firehouse and living in Ocean Pines for fifteen years. I know what you’ve had to… overcome to get where you are now. And this act of kindness you’re thinking of doing is above and beyond for anyone.”
“It’s not. Honestly. The person is like family. It’s a no-brainer,” I say and leave his office.
I really want that captain’s job. It would suck if I get screwed out of it because of this but… what would suck more would be letting Terra suffer. I could never do that.
We get a call. House fire. And I let all these concerns slip away as I rush to the rig to get dressed. The wind is blowing fiercely because a storm is coming in which doesn’t help us contain the flames, but then it starts to pour rain and that does help. Luckily, no one is injured.
When I get back to the station, I undress and head to my private bunk room. I had left my phone on my bed and it’s flashing with a new message alert. It’s Logan.
Nova & Javi = B Neg. No match. Let me know when you hear back.
I don’t respond to Logan. Instead, without a second thought, I walk down to the lobby and talk to the probie working the front desk. “Personal issue. Back in ten minutes. I have my cell if we get a call.”
I jump in my jeep and start the engine.
9
Terra
“Throw me a rag.I’m gonna wipe down the tables.”
“I can do that. You’ve worked a double today,” Finn says to Nova. He is such a sweetheart sometimes. “Go home, make sure Thelma and Louise’s chicken coop hasn’t flown away like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz.”
“Really? Finn you’re the best, as always,” she spontaneously reaches over and kisses his cheek, and he looks instantly uncomfortable like he always does. I will never truly understand my brother Finn. He is so easy-going, fun-loving and the first to get sappy and touchy-feely but crawls out of his skin when someone like Nova hits him with the same attention. Weirdo. Nova heads into the kitchen to go get her coat in the break room, I’m sure.
